Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In descriptive writing, strong word choice resulting in imagery, especially sensory, show-me writing, clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, purposeful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas. In all modes of writing figurative language such as metaphors, similes and analogies articulate, enhance, and enrich the content. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well. http://educationnorthwest.org/resource/503#Word%20Choice
Create a class book that will aid students in boosting their word choice skills. On one page write a word like, good in boring grey print. On the following page have students write substitutes for the words good. Use other boring words to find substitutes for like cool, bad, sad, mad, happy, fun, etc. Students will surprise you with their list of tired boring words.
Have a tired word funeral. Put one tired word per slip of paper. Invite each student to place one tired word in a small cardboard box. Have a small tired word funeral by burring these words to never be used again.
Use simple tired word in short sentences. Have students replace words or rewrite the sentence using specific nouns, colorful verbs and snappy adjectives and adverbs.
Use a big book full of excellent word choices. Cover up some of the colorful words with sticky notes and as you read the book to the class have them guess what the covered word may be. Often times they will guess words that would go well in that place write them down and talk about how many words can be substituted in its place. If they are unfamiliar with the covered word direct them to the list of optional words to find their own meaning. This is an excellent skill that can help students during test taking time.
Create a class alphabet book using fresh, exciting, colorful words. Put this book in the library for students to reference when having trouble finding just the right word.
Challenge students to write a description of something simple like the smell of spaghetti, feel of their bed, or the sunset. Have them review their writing once they have finished and concentrate on using word choice to show not tell.
Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In descriptive writing, strong word choice resulting in imagery, especially sensory, show-me writing, clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, purposeful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas. In all modes of writing figurative language such as metaphors, similes and analogies articulate, enhance, and enrich the content. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well.
http://educationnorthwest.org/resource/503#Word%20Choice
Examples of What We Already Use:
Middle School Writing Materials/Ideas
http://denaharrison.com/
Lesson: Inventing Stories About Your Clothes
http://writingfix.com/6_Traits/Voice/JPeterman3.htm
Ideas:
Word to use instead of "Said":
http://6traits.cyberspaces.net/wsaid.html
Sentence Stretching:
http://jc-schools.net/write/stretching_files/v3_document.htm
Strategies:
http://6traits.cyberspaces.net/strat3.html
Video:
http://www.schooltube.com/video/66cd9b30244607619b5d/61-Writing-Traits-Word-Choice
Writing Fix website for and overview of the the traits including word choice.
http://www.writingfix.com/6_Traits/Word_Choice.htm
Descriptive writing lesson using menus to describe the meals they offer.
http://apps.educationnorthwest.org/traits/lessonplans.php?d=1&search=1&grade=2&trait=4&l=116
Word Choice
How can I . . .